Sotomayor tells senators in a letter that the Belizean (buh-LEE'-zee-uhn) Grove lets men speak at events and participate in trips. She also says she's unaware that a man has ever tried to become a member.

Her defense of the club comes after GOP senators questioned her participation because of the nature of the group. Federal judges are bound by a code that says they shouldn't join any organization that discriminates by race, sex, religion, or nationality.